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A male Google engineer who authored a controversial memo on why he thinks women aren't suited to tech jobs is now searching for new employment. James Damore confirmed to Bloomberg that he was fired for "perpetuating gender stereotypes" and that he's "currently exploring all possible legal remedies." In the memo, which can be seen in full here, Damore argued that pursuing diversity policies was "unfair, divisive, and bad for business," partly because of biological differences like female "neuroticism" that he believes explain the gender gap in the technology world. The memo circulated widely among employees. In internal discussion posts seen by Bloomberg, many employees supported the firing.

Google declined to comment on the firing, but CEO Sundar Pichai addressed the controversy in a memo to employees Monday, the Guardian reports. "Our job is to build great products for users that make a difference in their lives," he wrote. "To suggest a group of our colleagues have traits that make them less biologically suited to that work is offensive and not OK." Pichai also addressed concerns about employees now feeling unable to "safely express their views," saying people should feel free to express dissent. He said some of the issues raised in the memo "such as the portions ... questioning the role of ideology in the workplace" are "important topics" that people should feel free to discuss.

The funny thing is that pretty much all jobs out there are "tech" jobs. Every single industry out there relies more and more on tech, whether you are developing it, maintaining it, or using it to get tasks done. The guy could have expressed his concerns with the diversity program and explain how it might be adversely affecting the business, but to go into such blatant stereotyping is why he got fired.

Nasochkas

Aug 9, 2017 9:47 AM CDT

As a woman, I am more than willing to accept the fact that there are biological differences between women and men, and that these biological differences may lead to different choices. However, these differences should be explored using accepted scientific methods and peer reviewed in the literature, not by tech trolls writing manifestos. Furthermore, we are talking about differences on average, and that should not be applied to individual cases. It is stupid for companies to discriminate based on gender. Consider all kinds and pick the best candidate for the job. However, it is also stupid to expect a certain % of each gender within each company. There is nothing wrong with saying that employment preferences might differ by gender. The main issue with tech companies is that there is this attitude that women do not want to put in longer hours because all they can think about is spawning babies and being home more with them. Plenty of women are fine with selling all their time to a company. Conversely, the real question is why should men be expected to slave away those hours and not have time to themselves? The culture should be changed for everyone, regardless of gender. They would attract a better work force that way.

SA Jane

Aug 8, 2017 9:37 PM CDT

I am tired of all these companies trying to be politically correct. Remember this is supposed to be a country of free speech. It comes down to this, did he voice his own opinion? If so than he should not lose his job. Did he say that this was company policy or send it with company letter head? Then yes he should be fired. Why is it that if you don't believe in what is the norm it means your wrong? Now I have to admit I thought this was in very poor taste and offensive to most, but he has the right to his opinion. Letting your peers see this would probably have doomed him anyway, as most would not want to associate with him and those that think like him. However a business should not base your job on your beliefs, whether religious or asinine. It should be based on knowledge, performance and ability.